Does liver disease cause itching?

Itching is a common sign of liver disease, according to WebMD. The reason why patients with liver disease experience itching skin is not entirely understood, as stated by the Liver Specialists of Texas. However, it might be related to the build-up of toxins in the blood.

The medical term for itching is pruritus, according to the Riley Hospital for Children. Doctors recommend keeping the skin as lubricated as possible to reduce dry skin and secondary itching. Additionally, physicians can prescribe medication to help control pruritus, such as antibiotics and opiate blockers. In some cases, over-the-counter antihistamines reduce itching symptoms.